Welcome! My name is Leesalyn. I am forever a lover, servant, practitioner, student, and teacher of meditation and yoga. I offer classes to the south Austin community that are informal, non-competitive, and paid by donations - encouraging all abilities to participate.
An all hearts murmuration
On cool winter evenings, over the moors of England, thousands of starlings come together to create something extraordinary. Before they settle down to rest, the starlings put on one of the most spectacular shows in the natural world: a murmuration.
A most divine example of interdependence and collective consciousness in action... click here.
EnJoy.
2011 Rest In Peace
Yet again the passing of another year as we reflect on the people, places, and events that have touched us. I believe it is Pema Chodron who challenges her long time students to return to the places where we grew up. Revisit older friends and family who knew us when we were younger. It is here that the mirror of spiritual development is revealed.
I wasn't sure what to expect when i returned to central New York this past autumn. My mom had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late July with a poor prognosis and very few updates from afar. The subsequent 3 months that i cared for her were a clear reflection of our truths. Who we were. How we got to this place. Where we are going. All that we most loved and feared in this life.
The evening before her passing was long and cold yet mom never closed her eyes. Family took turns throughout the night holding her hand and comforting her. It is difficult to give someone permission to die, most especially your mother. Our hearts were breaking, but after months of failed treatments, further degradation and increased suffering it was the most kind and compassionate offering.
I confided in her that we were going to India together in the coming year - that she would always be with me wherever i was traveling or living. Her gaze constantly fixed into the far corners of the room shifted to me and her hand squeezed mine. Unable to speak or swallow, i felt in that moment that she understood.
She was holding my hand as i came into this world. I was holding her hand as she left.
May peace and joy prevail in the New Year
I love you Mom.